Michigan Speeding Truck Accidents

While truck crashes can happen from any number of circumstances, the likelihood of an accident greatly increases when a trucker drives over the speed limit. Unfortunately, speeding is one of the most common ways that accidents happen in Michigan.

However, speeding is a violation of State traffic laws, which leaves a motorist driving over the legal limit open to civil liability in the event of a crash. If you or a loved one was injured in a crash with a reckless truck driver, consider reaching out to a lawyer familiar in handling Michigan speeding truck accident cases. An experienced attorney could help to establish fault and pursue compensation for your losses.

Michigan Laws Concerning Speeding

All drivers, including those who are behind the wheels of commercial vehicles, have an obligation to follow the rules of the road. One of the most fundamental rules is outlined in Michigan Compiled Law §257.627, which regards the maximum speed that is appropriate for each road.

Furthermore, these limits might change, depending on the circumstances. For example, a truck driver who travels the legal limit might still be violating a statute if they do so during heavy traffic or a severe storm. While speeding is not a criminal violation, it is still a violation of a posted law.

This means that a finding of guilt in a traffic court might be a vital piece of evidence in any subsequent civil case for damages. For example, if it can be shown that a truck driver was exceeding the legal speed limit at the time of an accident, this might be clear grounds for establishing that the trucker breached their duty to drive safely. Because of this, anyone injured in a crash with a speeding truck driver might benefit from the counsel of a qualified Michigan attorney.

Pursuing a Claim Against a Speeding Truck Driver

Because a collision with a speeding truck could result in severe injuries, there are numerous damages that might be included in a claim for compensation. These damages are broken down into two categories: economic and non-economic losses.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are those that have a definitive price tag after a crash. For example, medical bills—such as hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and physical therapy expenses—are common damages included in a claim. Furthermore, lost wages due to missed time at work are also common forms of economic losses that might be calculated. These claims are paid by the properly determined Michigan no-fault insurance company.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are more subjective losses that are used to try to consider the claimant’s pain and suffering. These might include mental anguish, loss of companionship, humiliation, and scarring and disfigurement.

However, due to the nature of these damages, it might be difficult for a claimant to fully assess the scope of their losses—especially as they recover from their trauma. A compassionate lawyer could help an injured claimant to calculate the extent of their damages after a speeding truck accident in order to request appropriate compensation.

Seeking Legal Counsel After a Michigan Speeding Truck Accident

If you or a loved one was injured in a Michigan speeding truck accident, consider reaching out to a well-versed lawyer to discuss your legal options. When another person’s careless, reckless, or malicious behavior causes your injuries, you should not have to bear the resulting costs alone.

By enlisting an experienced attorney, you could rest assured that a legal professional is by your side through each step. To discuss your legal options, schedule a consultation with a legal professional at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. today.